News

Content supplied by Mondelez: 

Mondelēz International is shaking up the gifting confectionery market with the arrival of a brand-new range: Cadbury Chocolate Gift Cards. Available in two variants and four different designs, each pack comprises of a fun gift card containing 20 Cadbury chocolate pralines. A variety of vibrant gifting designs combined with Hazelnut Creme Hearts and White Chocolate Truffle Flowers offers shoppers an option for every gifting occasion.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) call for evidence on commercial rents and Covid-19, urging the Government to support businesses in their recovery from the pandemic.

From today (3rd May) HMRC will be introducing new checks on the codes that are given to businesses to ensure that they are registered properly for the UK track and trace system.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers about the upcoming changes to the sale of manufactured solid fuels and wood.

From 1st May 2021, retail businesses in England including convenience stores, supermarkets and forecourts must not sell traditional house coal (bituminous coal).

Permitted manufactured solid fuels and wood also can only be sold as follows:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry on the Government’s approach to permitted development rights (PDR), highlighting the need for the Government to protect the integrity of local high streets and access to essential services.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed all current and prospective combined authority mayoral candidates ahead of the elections taking place on 6^th May.

In the briefing, ACS provided candidates with convenience sector data specific to their combined authority, including information on: the number of local shops, number of jobs and investment made by convenience retailers over the last year.

DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) have confirmed that changes to plastic bag charge regulations will now not come into force on 30^th April.

Changes to the single use carrier bag charge rules will see the minimum charge for a plastic bag rise from 5p to 10p, and all businesses included within the rules, where previously only those with more than 250 employees have been included.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on retailers to respond to its annual National Living Wage Survey.

ACS’ National Living Wage Survey will inform ACS’ submission to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation on future wage rates. The consultation is seeking views on:

Content supplied by SECOM:

ACS published its Crime Report last month. The report uncovered almost 40,000 cases of violence against convenience store staff and found that more than a quarter involved a weapon.

COVID safety measures are proving a significant flashpoint for violence. According to the report, 65% of respondents had witnessed a covid-related threat to staff in the past year.

From today, Camelot have changed the rules of National Lottery games so that only customers who are 18 or above will be able to play.

Last year, the government carried out a review of gambling laws to ensure they were, and remain, fit for the digital age. As part of this, it was announced that, in October 2021, the minimum age to play The National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18.